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Nation’s Largest Retailer to share ODOT’s Winter Safety Message with Millions of Ohioans

COLUMBUS (Thursday, December 10, 2009) - ODOT wants holiday shopping to be safer this season. The Ohio Department of Transportation is teaming up with Walmart - the nation’s largest retailer and Ohio’s largest employer - to remind Ohio drivers: Ice and Snow…Take it Slow.

Starting today and throughout the holiday season, ODOT’s winter safety message will appear in each of the 150 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores across the state.

“Being safe is a team effort,” said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris. “Through this partnership with Walmart, we will be reaching millions of Ohioans with an important message of safety.”

This is the second year for this unique public-private partnership to encourage drivers to access up-to-date traffic information and 24-hour road conditions at www.BuckeyeTraffic.org - ODOT’s easy-to-use map-based website for winter weather driving.

Making safety a priority is a common theme for both ODOT and Walmart.

Last winter there were 44,725 crashes on Ohio’s roads; 3,415 people were injured and 80 people were killed. Excessive speed and following too closely rank as two of the main factors in crashes.

“We want to take care of our employees and our customers, that’s why we decided to partner with ODOT,” said Walmart Safety Fleet Manager Jim Murphy. “While obvious, the message to all drivers, in Ice and Snow…Take it Slow does not grow old.”

In Ohio, Walmart’s delivery truck drivers have been consistently recognized and awarded as one of the safest fleets in the state by the Ohio Trucking Association. This past year, Walmart received a national award as the Safest Fleet In America.

ODOT reminds all drivers - whether their vehicles have 18 wheels or four - that winter driving conditions can change from mile to mile and minute to minute. Drivers need to be in control especially on pavement that is icy and snowy. Best advice: in Ice and Snow… Take it Slow.